By Joanne Bergman The Murray County Board of Commissioners met in regular session on Tuesday, November 05, 2024 with all members present.
Luke Schryvers, CEO, Murray County Medical Center presented his monthly report to the Commissioners. September was a slow month for the center; however patient number, swing bed days and observation stays are all above 2023 levels. Surgery numbers, ER visits and clinic visits are also ahead of 2023. The cash position increased with total cash available at $9.9M. Year to date there is a positive net income of $267,214. Numbers for November and December are expected to be strong, according to Schryvers. On October 1 a new law went in effect to provide further transparency in the debt collection process, prohibit providers from refusing care due to outstanding medical debts, prevents debts from being transferred to one’s spouse, ensures medical debt does not impact credit scores, limits predatory collection processes and adjusts wage garnishment caps.
Facilities Manager Nathan Wurpts requested approval of an amount not to exceed $9,000 for new handrails for the new entrance to the Sheriff’s Office entrance. The rails are needed to provide ADA access to the building. The cost of installation is also included in the $9,000. Ahlers Welding submitted the low quote for the project.
Parks Director Justin Hoffmann advised the Board of the December 19 rental of the 4-H Building and the possible usage of the horse barn. There will be 20-25 members of the Dakota 38 Ride and supporting members riding from South Dakota to Mankato making use of the buildings for the day. Hoffman also was approved to sign a contract for the installation of a self-service kayak rental at Sundquist Park on West Lake Sarah. Signing of the contract now will provide a spring time date for the installation. Hoffman also received approval for the purchase of 4,000cy of black dirt for the racetrack at a cost of $1 cy. Dirt needs to be periodically added to maintain the track and has become available at this time.
Sheriff Heath Landsman was approved for $7118.82 for upfitting a new 2024 Silverado. This is the only vehicle that it has been available for purchase from the vendor. An addendum was approved with the Lyon County Jail raising the rate from $65 to $75 per day. Landsman requested the installation of lighting and a camera for the impound lot following a recent incident of vandalism.
Highway Engineer Randy Groves received approval of two final payments. One for the maintenance striping and the other for the 2024 overlay projects. The sale of the Currie Shop was discussed with a decision to offer it to government entities with the market value set as a minimum. The 32’x40’ was built in Currie in 1996 and is no longer needed. The 5 year plan for road and bridges was approved on a 3/2 vote. Commissioners Malone and Gunnink voted negatively due to the amount of State Aid monies to be used for paving the parking lot of the new highway building. Groves did explain that the monies cannot be used for any purpose other than a State Aid project.
Doug Rupp’s Pelican Bay Second Addition rezoning request was placed on a 60 day extension. The Planning Commission was split on the rezoning request. Rezoning will open the area to allow all commercial businesses listed in the zoning regulations. Rupp plans for the 40.99 acres in Section 24, Lake Sarah Township include marina, campground, restaurant and boat storage. The Planning Commission will have the next 60 days to study the issue before making a decision. The Board of Commissioners did have the power to make a decision at this meeting but expressed the feeling that the Planning Commission members are educated and knowledgeable in zoning issues and are better prepared to make the decision.
